"Virtuosic linked stories, all but one set in Rumania, Austria, or Germany before WWII, whose charming, maddening, light-minded narrator has no particular need to notice that murderous thugs are rising up and closing ranks right in front of his nose. The book is an exceptionally vivid evocation of pre-war Central Europe, and it’s also terrifyingly funny in its examination of specious reasoning, casual complicity, and the obtuseness that’s the hallmark of privilege."

"This film is so well observed and humane, like all of Kore-eda’s work. I love how it presents a rather mundane premise—a routine family get-together—then gradually reveals the immense emotional complexity that exists beneath its surface. There is such intense subtext that accompanies every interaction between each member of this family; every tiny moment of casual cruelty and guarded warmth carries huge emotional power. It’s all so specific to Kore-eda and simultaneously totally universal. I feel like he’s one of the world’s greatest filmmakers. "